Steam Brick: Ultralight Gaming Powerhouse in a Surprisingly Compact Package
Introduction
Gaming handhelds have become increasingly prevalent, but their size can often be prohibitive. The Steam Deck, known for its impressive performance, falls victim to this limitation. DIY enthusiast crastinator-pro has devised an ingenious solution: the Steam Brick.
Design and Features
The Steam Brick retains the Steam Deck's essential components such as the motherboard, battery, storage, and cooling fan. However, it eliminates the built-in controller, screen, and other non-essential elements. The internal aluminum frame is trimmed and housed within a custom 3D-printed enclosure.
Benefits
The Steam Brick's compact size makes it highly portable. It fits comfortably in backpacks and carry-on luggage, eliminating the need to sacrifice space or convenience. Additionally, its lightweight design minimizes fatigue during extended gaming sessions.
Usage Scenarios
Crastinator-pro primarily intended the Steam Brick for use with external peripherals, including a television or augmented reality glasses. This setup allows for a large-screen gaming experience without the constraints of the Steam Deck's built-in display.
Compatibility
While the Steam Brick concept can be applied to any Steam Deck model, it is recommended for the newer OLED revision. The OLED screen offers superior image quality, making it a worthy trade-off for the reduction in size.
Cautions
Crastinator-pro emphasizes that the Steam Brick is an experimental project. It involves disassembly and modification of the Steam Deck, potentially voiding its warranty. Additionally, the lack of volume buttons and a headphone jack may limit functionality in certain scenarios.
Conclusion
The Steam Brick is a testament to the ingenuity of the gaming community. It provides a unique solution to the size limitations of gaming handhelds. While it may not be suitable for all users, it serves as an inspiration for future portable gaming innovations.